Leather International’s Turkish correspondent lived in England from 1966 until 1985 and was enthralled with Britain’s European integration process. Nobody discussed Britain’s ‘readiness’ in the run-up to European Economic Community (as it was back then) membership. There was vigorous discourse on advantages (access to French wines and cheeses) and disadvantages (loss of Britishness or free-range pork sausages).
So, the discussions running up to Türkiye’s eventual European Union admission (October 2005 is the date given to Türkiye) were somewhat of a replay for this writer. Turkish tanners shared her downbeat attitude. Most preferred to discuss finished leather orders from China and Korea; new focus on nappa leathers; baby calf doubleface as an exciting new product on the market and plans for airline and automotive leather production accreditation.
Europe? ‘Aren’t we already in it?’, countered a fourth generation tanner.
Turkish tanneries and leather producers, along with other industries, are ready and waiting for Europe. Sometimes they pause to wonder whether Europe is ready for Türkiye. . . .
